MINI Convertible Sidewalk Makes World Debut at NAIAS

The MINI Convertible Sidewalk will make its world debut at NAIAS 2007 while the second-generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S have their North American premiere in Detroit.

The MINI Convertible Sidewalk, available in spring, is an exclusive package on both the MINI Cooper Convertible as well as the MINI Cooper S Convertible at a cost of $4,000. For other international markets, the MINI Sidewalk Convertible will be sold as an individual model.

The Sidewalk package offers an exclusive look, featuring special light-alloy wheels, attractive interior surface trim and leather upholstery developed specifically for the package. In addition, the package comes with a host of options and equipment bundled together to offer more exclusivity, substance and value.

The Cooper Sidewalk includes 16-inch bridge spoke wheels and sport seats. The Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk includes 17-inch Night Spoke wheels and Xenon headlamps. The package for both models comes with English leather sport seats in an exclusive malt brown color and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics. The steering wheel comes wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather and is integrated with multi-function controls including cruise control. Rounding out the package options are Dynamic Stability Control, Chrome Line interior trim, a center armrest and a Harmon/Kardon sound system.

MINI already has announced that its all-new second-generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops will make their North American debut at the NAIAS 2007. The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops build upon the design success of the first generation MINI models. They have been updated in a way that is evolutionary in design and revolutionary in substance. And a wide range of engine, transmission, chassis and steering innovations give the all-new MINI an impressive level of sportiness and agility.

The pair boast brand-new, aluminum-alloy four-cylinder engines with increased power and performance. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper develops a maximum of 118 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque. This propels the car to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 126 mph.

The new MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides 172 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque in a range from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. The Cooper S reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph.

Despite their greater power and performance, the engines are even more fuel-efficient than before. Most notably the MINI Cooper with a manual transmission achieves 40 miles per gallon in highway driving according to the latest EPA testing.